My Top 10 Comics For March 2013

10. Justice League of America #2 (DC)

Writer: Geoff Johns * Artist: David Finch

The characterization and interaction is sharp. And while I've always found Finch’s art rather hit and miss, he actually does surprisingly well in a couple scenes where he uses body language and expression to tell the story: I laughed my tail off when Vibe scoots away from Hawkman. And the scene where Selina reflects on a painful memory was effective.  Manhunter backup was strong (Kindt needs a regular series). The one sadness is seeing that wonderful Scott Clark art, knowing that he's passed.

9. Batman Inc #9 (DC)

Writer: Grant Morrison * Artist: Chris Burnham

Grant bounces this around a bit too much (which hurts the fight with the baddie… how did he get away?) –but hey, that’s Grant -- and the issue is a powerful one. It touches on grief, and anger and regret. It doesn’t forget Beryl and her loss thankfully. Poor Alfred -- and Bat Cow, that was actually a rather touching panel.

8. Green Arrow #18 (DC)

Writer: Jeff Lemire * Artist: Andrea Sorrrentino

Lemire isn’t reinventing the wheel here; there are shades of Daredevil, a bit of David and Cass Cain in the baddies (to name a few sources of inspiration) but that doesn’t make it any less compelling a read. Love the creepy father/daughter duo, and wonder what awaits Oliver in Arizona. Artist Sorrentino? I believe everything he touches turns to gold.

7. Phantom Stranger #6 (DC)

Writer:  Dan Didio & J.M. DeMatteis * Artist: Zander Cannon, Gene Ha

The Stranger takes a trip to Vegas and gambles with the sons of Trigon: Guest art-team gives us the best looking panels in the series so far, and the writing continues its win streak. Dematteis authors some sharp dialog (I especially admired the existential reflections at the start). I love myself a good mystery and this is a knotted one at that. Who took his family and why, who is the Stranger's alter ego, how did he come to it and what messed up secrets are in his mind?

6. Wonder Woman #18 (DC)

Writer: Brian Azzarello * Artist: Goran Sudzuka, Tony Akins w/Dan Green, Cliff Chiang

The writing continues to be sharp as a tack, with weigh, and layers of meaning behind every word. And despite this being an ensemble book, Diana shines. She has a well-rounded, comprehensively explored personality, with strengths and weaknesses... but what's great is how Azz adds shades of gray within those traits (her compassion and trust could be exploited by those who wish to wrong her). The issue is full of delicious twists, much of which is character based.

5. Revival #8 (Image)

Writer: Tim Seeley * Artist: Mike Norton

More mysterious twists and turns, as well as new character's, who add a few more knots to this already convoluted yarn. Revival is the best series no seems to talk about.

4. Journey Into Mystery #650 (Marvel)

Writer: Kathryn Immonen * Artist: Valerio Schiti

Sif’s journey ends with a sobering lesson. There’s plenty of heart and action and laugh out loud moments. A wonderful concluding issue to a wonderful story line.

3. All-New  X-Men #8 (Marvel)

Writer: Brian Michael Bendis * Artist: David Marquez

The Angel’s bond and fight Hydra, and then the Avengers step in. The highlight of the issue for me was when Iceman provides voice-over to the Cap/Hank conversation.

2. New Avengers #4 (Marvel)

Writer: Jonathan Hickman * Artist: Steve Epting

And this is the coolest thing of all! What Hickman and Epting are doing with the title is nothing short of genius. It deals with some grave issues our heroes must wrestle with. And the character work is without peer. The burden on Dr. Strange is tangible (for one example). This is one powerful, intelligently written series. And the cover by Jock was incredible.

1. Swamp Thing #18 (DC)

Writer: Scott Snyder * Artist: Yanick Paquette

Snyder and Paquette go out on a high note: This issue was transcendent -- primarily for the bits that focused on Abby and Alec. Theirs has been one of the great love stories over the decades, and I found this issue particularly moving. Both achingly beautiful and hauntingly sad... In essence, It’s about sacrifice and acceptance. I found myself getting choked up while reading it.

Honorable Mentions

Animal Man #18

Lemire tries to mix the same emotional cocktail that Snyder does in Swampy, but while it lacks the melancholic beauty of that piece, it’s still a good dust up with personal ramifications for the Baker’s. Oh, and while one review I read complained about this -- I like that the parliament of decay didn’t look as fantastical as the parliaments of the green or red. I found it interesting that the face of death… is man.

Thor: God of Thunder #6

Batgirl #18

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